Letters to the editor - July 16, 2013

Monday

Jul 15, 2013 at 10:17 PM

Human error, not abuseI was grossly disappointed to open my Tuesday paper to the front-page headline accusing a PACE driver of abusing an elderly client. Yes, what happened to this dear lady was tragic, but the situation was in no way the result of "abuse." It was a very human mistake, and nothing more!The quality of adult day care service PACE provides to hundreds of needy elders is way beyond what your paper described as medical treatment. Five days a week, clients receive hot meals, personalized exercise regimens, activities designed for the individual's abilities and comprehension, snacks, constant supervision, transportation, and assistance at home if they need help dressing and bathing. The full scope of medical care is provided by skilled professionals on all levels, from doctors, nurses, therapists, drivers, and social workers.They use a dozen vans to transport clients, and switching drivers for different routes at different times, for different individual schedules … could be a bit hectic at times, and this driver simply made a very human error.I have often dealt with PACE, and you will not find a more dedicated, compassionate, proficient and caring staff anywhere. This incident did not warrant front-page headline placement spewing false accusation.Ann LaReau, Wilmington

More and more environmentalists are supporting the Keystone XL pipeline. The recent derailment of a crude-by-rail shipment further emphasizes the need to build the pipeline asap.More than 16 million barrels of Canadian crude were shipped by rail to the U.S. in 2012, projected to rise to 73 million barrels in 2013, and 110 million in 2014. The number of gallons of oil spilled in transport by pipeline is less than half the rate of spillage by rail. The oil will be shipped; it should be done more safely by pipeline as much as possible. Of course, Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway that services the Bakke oil field (on both sides of the U.S.-Canadian border) will make tons more money if the Keystone pipeline is delayed or never built. BNSF shipped 1.3 million barrels of oil out of Bakken in 2008, 90 million barrels in 2012, and anticipates over 200 million barrels in 2013. And surprise, BNSF railway is owned by Berkshire-Hathaway, Warren Buffett's company. Coincidentally, Buffett is a strong Obama supporter. Sometimes payback is heaven, not hell.Phil Triece, Wilmington

Almost daily, it seems as though we are hearing of people being gunned down in the streets of Wilmington.I ask … where are Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton and Ben Crump?Is the correct answer that lives in Wilmington are less important, or is it there are no crowds to whip into a frenzy and no cameras to grand stand in front of?Scott Newbold, Wilmington

Every now and then, people have to be reminded why they should not vote Republican … The people of North Carolina are now learning their lesson.Ulf Hellsten, Wilmington